Maintaining good oral health is crucial for overall well-being, but various oral health problems can arise despite our best efforts. Dental issues can range from toothaches to gum disease, these issues can cause discomfort and impact our quality of life. We will explore some prevalent dental problems and the recommended dental solutions provided by dental professionals in Guelph.
Tooth Decay:
Tooth decay, or dental caries, is a widespread oral health problem caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. It can lead to cavities, tooth sensitivity, and even tooth loss if left untreated. Dentists emphasize the importance of regular dental hygiene practices such as brushing twice a day and flossing. These habits can go a long way in preventing tooth decay. Let’s talk about other things that you can do to prevent tooth decay and what are the further treatment for tooth decay.
- Prevention:
Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and use a soft-bristle toothbrush to effectively remove plaque and is the first step to curing most oral health problems. Floss daily to clean between the teeth and along the gum line, where toothbrushes may not reach.
Balanced Diet: Limit your intake of sugary and acidic foods and beverages, as they contribute to tooth decay. Try to eat a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
- Treatment:
Fillings: ****Dentists will remove the decayed portion of the tooth and fill the cavity with materials such as composite resin, porcelain, or amalgam. Fillings restore the tooth’s structure and function, preventing further decay and addressing sensitivity or pain.
Dental Crowns: For more extensive decay or weakened teeth, dental crowns may be recommended. Crowns are custom-made caps that cover the entire visible portion of the tooth, providing strength, protection, and an improved appearance.
Root Canal Therapy: When tooth decay reaches the inner pulp of the tooth which causes infection and severe pain, root canal therapy must be performed. This procedure involves removing the infected pulp, cleaning the root canals, and sealing them. A crown is often placed on the treated tooth to restore its function and appearance.
Gum Disease:
Gum disease, or periodontal disease, affects the gums and is often caused by poor oral hygiene and can lead to gum inflammation, bleeding, bad breath, and even tooth loss in severe cases. Let’s break down the different prevention and treatment options below:
- Prevention:
Proper Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth at least twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. It is crucial to clean along the gumline and between the teeth to remove plaque and prevent its buildup. Floss daily to remove plaque and food particles from areas that your toothbrush cannot reach.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups with your dentist. It’s recommended you do a checkup or a cleaning every 6 months. They will perform a thorough examination of your gums, measuring the depth of the pockets between your teeth and gums.
Professional Cleanings: Professional dental cleanings by a hygienist or dentist are essential for removing plaque and tartar that cannot be effectively removed through brushing and flossing alone.
- Treatment:
Scaling and Root Planning: This is a deep cleaning procedure that involves removing plaque and tartar from below the gum line (scaling) and smoothing the tooth roots (root planning).
Periodontal Surgery: In more advanced cases of gum disease, where pockets have formed and the supporting structures are affected, periodontal surgery may be necessary.
Ongoing Maintenance: After treatment, dentists emphasize the importance of ongoing maintenance and regular dental visits. This may include frequent professional cleanings, and closer monitoring of gum health to prevent the recurrence of gum disease.
Tooth Sensitivity:
Tooth sensitivity is a common problem characterized by pain or discomfort when consuming hot or cold food items. Tooth sensitivity can be caused by various factors, including tooth decay, worn enamel, gum recession, or teeth grinding. Let’s dive deeper into the different prevention and treatment methods.
- Prevention:
Gentle Oral Hygiene Practices: Brush your teeth using a soft-bristle toothbrush and avoid brushing too vigorously, as this can wear down the enamel and expose the dentin. It is recommended to use toothpaste specifically designed for sensitive teeth, which contains desensitizing agents and fluoride to help reduce sensitivity.
Limit Acidic and Abrasive Foods: Acidic foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits and carbonated drinks, can erode the enamel and contribute to tooth sensitivity. Try to consume less of these types of foods or rinse your mouth with water after consuming them.
Address Teeth Grinding: If you have a teeth-grinding habit, known as bruxism, discuss it with your Guelph dentist. They may recommend a custom-fitted nightguard to protect your teeth from grinding during sleep. This can help alleviate sensitivity caused by enamel wear.
- Treatment:
Desensitizing Toothpaste: Using toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth can help reduce sensitivity over time. These toothpastes contain ingredients that block the transmission of pain signals and provide a protective layer over the exposed dentin.
Fluoride Treatment: Professional fluoride treatments can be applied by Dentists to strengthen the tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity. The fluoride helps to remineralize and repair the enamel, reducing the exposure of the underlying dentin.
Dental Bonding: If the sensitivity is caused by exposed dentin due to gum recession or enamel erosion, dental bonding may be recommended.
Gum Grafting: In cases of severe gum recession, where the tooth roots are exposed, gum grafting may be recommended. This procedure involves taking tissue from another area of the mouth and grafting it onto the exposed tooth roots, covering and protecting them.
Bad Breath:
Persistent bad breath, also known as halitosis, can be extremely embarrassing, unattractive, and indicative of many underlying oral health problems. Dentists emphasize the importance of proper oral hygiene, including brushing the tongue, to eliminate bacteria that cause bad breath. Let’s dive deeper into the different prevention and treatment methods.
- Prevention:
Proper Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth thoroughly twice a day using a soft-bristle toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay attention to brushing your tongue, as it harbors bacteria that contribute to bad breath. Floss daily to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and along the gumline.
Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule regular dental check-ups with your Guelph dentist. They will assess your oral health, identify any dental issues contributing to bad breath, and professional dental cleanings can remove stubborn plaque and tartar buildup, which are sources of bacteria causing bad breath.
Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Water helps to rinse away food particles, bacteria, and debris from the mouth, reducing the risk of bad breath. Additionally, a well-hydrated mouth promotes saliva production, which has natural antibacterial properties that can help combat bad breath.
- Treatment:
Professional Cleanings: Regular professional dental cleanings are crucial for maintaining oral health and combating bad breath. During these cleanings, a hygienist or dentist will remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria that contribute to bad breath.
Antimicrobial Mouthwashes: Dentists may prescribe or recommend antimicrobial mouthwashes to reduce the bacterial load in the mouth and freshen your breath. These mouthwashes contain ingredients that target and kill bacteria responsible for causing bad breath.
Treatment of Underlying Dental Issues: Bad breath can be a symptom of underlying dental problems such as gum disease, tooth decay, or oral infections.
Lifestyle Modifications: Dentists may suggest certain lifestyle modifications to help manage bad breath. This can include avoiding tobacco use, limiting the consumption of strongly flavored or odorous foods and beverages, and maintaining a healthy diet.
Teeth Grinding:
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, is a common dental problem characterized by the clenching or grinding of teeth, often unconsciously during sleep. It is recommended the use of custom-fitted nightguards or splints to protect the teeth and alleviate the symptoms of teeth grinding. Let’s dive deeper into how teeth grinding can be prevented or treated.
- Prevention:
Use Protective Gear: When participating in sports or engaging in activities that carry a risk of dental injury, wear appropriate protective gear such as mouthguards as these help absorb impact and protect the teeth and mouth from potential trauma.
Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Avoid biting or chewing on hard objects such as ice, pens, or popcorn kernels, as this can lead to tooth fractures or other dental injuries.
Childproof the Environment: If you have young children at home, ensure the environment is childproofed to minimize the risk of falls or accidents that could cause dental trauma.
- Treatment:
Tooth Fractures: Treatment for tooth fractures depends on the location and extent of the fracture. Minor fractures may be repaired with dental bonding or tooth-colored fillings. However, in some cases, a dental crown may be required to restore the tooth’s strength and appearance.
Dislodged Teeth: If a tooth is partially dislodged, also known as luxation, a dentist will reposition and stabilize it using splints or wires. It’s important to handle the tooth carefully, avoid touching the root, and keep it moist by placing it in milk or a tooth preservation kit.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Cuts or lacerations to the lips, gums, or tongue may require sutures or other appropriate treatments to promote healing and prevent infection. Dentists further clean the wound, evaluate the extent of the injury, and provide necessary care.
Jawbone Fractures: In cases of suspected jawbone fractures, immediate medical attention is required. Guelph dentists will assess the extent of the injury and refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for further evaluation and treatment.
North Eastview Dental is a dedicated family dental center in Guelph, we provide exceptional dental care to patients in Guelph and the surrounding areas. Our experienced team of dental professionals offers a wide range of services, including preventive care, general dentistry, orthodontics, and more. Whether you need a routine cleaning, a filling, or a complex dental procedure, we are here to help. Contact us at clinic@northeastviewdental.ca or call us at 519-824-5070 to schedule an appointment and experience the difference of personalized, compassionate care at Northeastview Dental.